Spring 2013: PANTONE Color Report

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PANTONE LLC, an X-Rite company is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. This past September, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, was announced as the Color of the Year for 2013.

The Color of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, PANTONE quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling, art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

For more than a decade, PANTONE’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

Twice a year, during the spring and fall Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks, PANTONE surveys couturiers about the color choices and inspirations for their collections; that intelligence is used to create the PANTONE Fashion Color Report. The report features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for the upcoming season, along with designer sketches, quotes, headshots, and recommended CMYK equivalents.

Not surprisingly, trending spring colors include florals and fruits to evoke freshness, and growth. According to a PANTONE statement, the colors represent “consumers’ desire for self-expression, balance, and the need to re-energize.” The spring hues offer balance, and, “allow for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance,” states the group in a release.

Shop Your Closet: One Style/Four Outfits

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Style simple pieces of clothing with a belt and increase the versatility in your closet. From rompers to maxi dresses, a belt can effortlessly add interest to any outfit. Not only is cinching the waist with a belt figure-friendly, it can provide a more casual style to dressy pieces. Thus, enabling you to get more wear out of items in your closet.

Look for simple, subdued belts. A lot of bells and whistles will pull all the focus to `it. I love buttery-soft brown leather belts, distressed and treated to look as though you have had it for years. (Favorite Brands: J.Crew/Lucky Brand/Free People/H&M) 

Next time you are in a pinch… cinch!

Revolve Clothing ~ Blue Life: All Day/All Nighter Jumper: $132.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Michael Kors: Belted Crepe-Jersey Jumpsuit: $140.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Long Gown: $64.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Keyhole Romper: $106.00

5 under $50: Rompers

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On trend for this summer is the Romper. This item is a current favorite due to it’s versatility, easily reborn from day to night, as well as from casual to upscale. A Romper can be worn as a cover-up to the beach or simply out running errands. Pair with a fitted blazer or sequin jacket for nighttime as well as ankle boots or a great set of heels. The most practical way to accessorize a Romper is with a belt. Choose from thick waisted belts, men’s leather belts, tassel belts or chain belt, each one with create a whole new look. These one-piece wonders come in various fabrics, patterns, styles and fits. Here are a few great buys all under $50.oo.

Tillys Full Tilt Ruffle Romper – $19.99

Forever 21 One Shoulder Romper – $22.90

Volcom Ready to Romp Romper – $29.99

Delias Khaki Floral Tube Romper – $27.50

MATIX Generosity Womens Romper – $28.97